£20m vision to restore historic Wiltshire estate

A historic Wiltshire country estate that suffered a devastating fire in 2022 is the subject of an ambitious £20m restoration and redevelopment vision.

It includes plans to create a luxury country retreat, restaurants, spa facilities and a new destination for visitors to the county.

Nonsuch Estate, near Bromham, was acquired in 2023 by property developer Niall Leighton-Boyce, founder of Boyce Group, who has embarked on the task of bringing the Grade II* listed house and its surrounding estate back to life.

The proposals would see the restoration of Nonsuch House, the careful redevelopment of existing estate buildings and the introduction of complementary new facilities, creating a destination that combines historic architecture, exceptional hospitality, food, nature and wellbeing.

Niall said: "When I bought Nonsuch, the house didn't have a roof. It had been exposed to the elements and there was a very real risk that further deterioration would make its restoration increasingly difficult.

"It would have been much easier to look at the land and consider a housing development, but that would have meant losing something extraordinary.

"I fell in love with the house and the estate. It has a character and history that you simply cannot recreate, and I believe it deserves a future every bit as remarkable as its past."

The plans, the developer says, represent a significant private investment in Wiltshire, with the potential to create around 100 permanent jobs once the estate is fully operational, alongside employment for tradespeople, craftspeople and specialist contractors throughout the restoration.

When Niall acquired Nonsuch, the principal house was in a particularly vulnerable condition.

A devastating fire in March 2022 had destroyed much of its roof, leaving historic interiors exposed to the weather, and what remained was an extraordinary building, but one facing an uncertain future.

Rather than pursue an easier redevelopment of the land for housing, Niall decided to restore the estate and give it a sustainable commercial future.

Work has already begun. The windows of the main house have been repaired, a temporary roof installed and a programme of restoration commenced.Among the house's most remarkable surviving features are its historic decorative interiors, including Spanish leather wall coverings and gilded detailing. 

Guests would arrive through a new gatehouse and be transported through the grounds to their accommodation. Once on the estate, they would be encouraged to explore its gardens, woodland, food venues and activities.

The estate would include restaurants, bars, spa and wellbeing facilities, yoga, saunas, cold-water experiences, tennis and padel courts, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Guests could participate in archery, woodcraft, countryside walks and artistic experiences, while enjoying the estate's wildlife, orchards, gardens and landscaped grounds.

A lake with an associated art studio is also proposed, offering a peaceful setting for creativity and relaxation.

Private chefs, babysitting services and bespoke guest experiences would be available, alongside more unusual experiences such as exploring the surrounding countryside in a vintage Rolls-Royce.

Much of the inspiration comes from places that have successfully made historic country estates relevant to modern visitors.

Niall hopes that, once established, the accommodation and guest experience could be recognised through the Michelin Key distinction for exceptional hotels.

These are long-term ambitions rather than claims of existing awards.

"I would love to see Nonsuch recognised among the very best country hotels and restaurants in Britain," he said.

"A Michelin star would be an extraordinary achievement, but I am equally interested in the Green Star because I think food should reflect where it comes from and how it is produced.

"The goal is to build something exceptional, not just expensive."